Backyard at Hudson Yards

In the constantly evolving landscape of New York City, finding a dynamic public space that truly caters to the diverse interests of its residents is a genuine treat. Nestled within the innovative Hudson Yards development, the "Backyard at Hudson Yards," located at 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, USA, is exactly that. It's more than just a park; it's a vibrant urban hub designed for relaxation, entertainment, and community engagement, offering a refreshing antidote to the city's relentless pace.

The Backyard at Hudson Yards has quickly become a beloved destination for New Yorkers seeking a comfortable and inviting outdoor experience. Imagine a sprawling green space, outfitted with comfortable seating, where you can kick back and enjoy a variety of free programming. As one local enthusiastically shared, "Fantastic views. The backyard has seats to watch a big screen and it is so relaxing. Very comfortable seats. Few food trucks available at the rear. Ice and close to a train station z parking is few blocks away. Good experience and nice view." This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of what the Backyard offers: an accessible, enjoyable, and scenic environment for all.

What truly distinguishes the Backyard at Hudson Yards is its commitment to providing a rich, year-round calendar of events. From live music performances that fill the air with melody to captivating outdoor movie nights under the stars, and from invigorating fitness classes to engaging family activities, there's always something happening here. It’s a place where you can catch a live sports screening on a massive outdoor screen, participate in a community fitness session, or simply unwind with a book while enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding architectural marvels.

The vision behind the Backyard was to create a truly communal space, a "piazza in Italy" as one designer described it, where people could gather, connect, and enjoy the vibrancy of urban life amidst beautifully landscaped gardens. Elevated above active rail lines, this public square offers a unique perspective on Manhattan, blending natural elements with cutting-edge design. While attractions like The Vessel, a remarkable climbable sculpture within Hudson Yards, have faced temporary closures for safety enhancements, the broader Public Square and Gardens, which includes the Backyard, remains a welcoming and active space, constantly evolving with new programs and experiences. The promise of The Vessel's enhanced reopening only adds to the excitement for future visits, but in the meantime, the Backyard itself offers an abundance of engaging activities.

Whether you're a lifelong New Yorker looking for a new favorite hangout spot, a family searching for free and fun activities for the kids, or someone simply in need of a relaxing green space with a view, the Backyard at Hudson Yards delivers. It’s a testament to thoughtful urban development, creating an essential amenity that enriches the daily lives of those who call this incredible city home.

Location and Accessibility

The Backyard at Hudson Yards is strategically located at 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, USA, placing it at the vibrant core of the Hudson Yards development on Manhattan's West Side. This prime location ensures exceptional accessibility for both locals and visitors, integrating seamlessly with the city's extensive transportation network.

For subway commuters, the Backyard is incredibly convenient. The 7 train, which extends to Hudson Yards (34th Street–Hudson Yards station), deposits you directly at the doorstep of the development, making it a very short walk to the Public Square and Gardens where the Backyard is situated. This direct subway access is a significant advantage for New Yorkers coming from various boroughs, simplifying their travel plans.

Beyond the subway, the Hudson Yards area is well-served by numerous MTA bus routes, offering additional public transportation options. For those arriving by train, the proximity to Penn Station, one of the city's busiest transportation hubs, means that a short walk or a quick subway ride on the 7 train can easily get you to the Backyard. The recently opened Moynihan Train Hall also enhances this connectivity, providing a modern and accessible gateway to the area.

For pedestrians, the Backyard is easily reached from surrounding neighborhoods like Chelsea and Midtown West. Its connection to the High Line, the elevated urban park, further enhances its walkability, allowing for a scenic stroll directly into Hudson Yards. While parking garages are available within the Hudson Yards complex and nearby, public transportation is highly recommended for convenience and to avoid potential traffic and parking costs in this bustling part of Manhattan. The design of Hudson Yards prioritizes pedestrian-friendliness, ensuring that the journey to the Backyard is as pleasant as the destination itself.

Services Offered

The Backyard at Hudson Yards provides a variety of services designed to enhance the public's experience and enjoyment of this unique urban space:

• Public Seating: Ample and comfortable seating is available throughout the Backyard, including lounge chairs and benches, perfect for relaxing, reading, or enjoying the views.
• Large Outdoor Screen: A prominent 30-foot "Big Screen" is a central feature, used for showing live sports events, family-friendly movie nights, and other scheduled programming.
• Food and Beverage Vendors: During programming, various food trucks and carts often operate in the Backyard, offering a selection of snacks, meals, and beverages, allowing visitors to grab a bite while enjoying the events. Examples include gelato by Sogno Toscano, boba tea by Xing Fu Tang, and ice cream by Van Leeuwen.
• Public Restrooms: Clean and accessible restroom facilities are available within the Hudson Yards complex, easily reachable from the Backyard area.
• Concierge Services: Located within The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, concierge services can assist with general inquiries, directions, and information about ongoing events.
• Free Public Programming: The Backyard hosts a robust calendar of free events, including concerts, fitness classes, family fun days, and cultural performances, all accessible to the public.
• Accessibility Features: The entire Hudson Yards complex, including the Public Square and Gardens, is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring ramps and elevators to ensure ease of movement for all visitors. Stroller parking is also available at family events.

Features / Highlights

The Backyard at Hudson Yards stands out with several key features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for New Yorkers:

• Dynamic Seasonal Programming: The Backyard is renowned for its continuously updated schedule of free outdoor events. This includes "Summer Concerts at The Wells Fargo Stage" with diverse artists, "Family Friendly Movie Nights" on the big screen, "Power Hour" fitness classes with partners like Alo Yoga, Rhone, and lululemon, and "Paw Play Days" for pet owners.
• The Big Screen Experience: The impressive 30-foot outdoor screen is a major draw, offering a stadium-like atmosphere for sports watch parties and an immersive cinematic experience for movie nights, all from the comfort of the public square.
• Comfortable Seating: The availability of very comfortable, relaxed seating, as noted by visitors, enhances the enjoyment of all programming, making it easy to settle in for extended periods.
• Integration with Hudson Yards: The Backyard is seamlessly integrated into the larger Hudson Yards development, offering direct access to world-class dining, retail experiences at The Shops & Restaurants, and cultural venues like The Shed, allowing for a full day of activities within one district.
• Stunning Urban Views: Surrounded by the iconic skyscrapers of Hudson Yards and Manhattan's West Side, the Backyard offers fantastic views, creating a unique backdrop for all events and providing a fresh perspective on the city's architecture.
• The Vessel (Future Reopening): While currently closed for enhancements, The Vessel, the remarkable climbable sculpture at 20 Hudson Yards, is a prominent and visually striking landmark adjacent to the Backyard. Its anticipated reopening (with enhanced safety features) promises to be another major highlight, offering unique spiraling pathways and panoramic views.
• Community-Focused Events: From "Reading Rhythms" (a modern book club with music) to "CityPickle" clinics for kids and public court times, the programming fosters community engagement and offers diverse ways for New Yorkers to connect and stay active.
• Green Space and Landscaping: Despite being an urban park, the Backyard features thoughtfully designed landscaping, creating a pleasant and natural environment amidst the steel and glass of Hudson Yards.

Promotions or Special Offers

The Backyard at Hudson Yards, as a public space, is primarily focused on offering free and accessible programming. However, there are often special offers and benefits tied to its sponsors and partners, particularly Wells Fargo:

• Free Concerts and Events: The core promotion is the extensive schedule of free concerts, movie nights, fitness classes, and family events presented throughout the year, especially during the warmer months. These are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Wells Fargo Customer Benefits: Wells Fargo, a key sponsor, often provides exclusive perks for its customers. These can include:
  • Early access to RSVP for select "Power Hour" fitness programs.
  • Exclusive access to the "Wells Fargo Club" during Wednesday concerts, offering complimentary snacks and beverages.
  • Complimentary CityPickle paddle rentals and dedicated reservation slots for Wells Fargo customers during specific periods.
  • Stroller parking at family-fun events (on a first-come, first-served basis).
  • Special offers and complimentary items from food vendors in the Public Square and Gardens upon showing a Wells Fargo debit card, credit card, or mobile app. For example, "Buy two get one free gelato" at Sogno Toscano, or "Complimentary Upsize" at Xing Fu Tang.
• Partner Discounts: Occasionally, other Hudson Yards retail and dining establishments may offer special promotions or discounts tied to events happening in the Backyard, so it's always worth checking the Hudson Yards official website or signage around the area.

These promotions enhance the value of visiting the Backyard, particularly for Wells Fargo customers, but the extensive free programming ensures that everyone can enjoy what this vibrant space has to offer.

Contact Information

For information specific to the Backyard at Hudson Yards and its programming, it's best to consult the primary contact channels for Hudson Yards, as the Backyard is an integral part of their public spaces. Direct inquiries are typically handled through the Hudson Yards general contact points.

Address: 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, USA

While there isn't a direct phone number solely for "The Backyard," you can reach the general Hudson Yards concierge or information desk for inquiries related to events, accessibility, and general information about the Public Square and Gardens:

General Inquiries for Hudson Yards: info@hudsonyardsnewyork.com

Phone for The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards (which often handles general queries for the public spaces): (646) 954-3155

For event-specific inquiries, especially regarding programming at the Backyard:

Event Inquiries: HYEvents@related.com

The most up-to-date schedule of events, promotions, and detailed information about the Backyard at Hudson Yards is always available on the official Hudson Yards New York website (hudsonyardsnewyork.com). This website is the go-to resource for checking the concert lineup, movie schedules, fitness class sign-ups, and any other special happenings.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

The Backyard at Hudson Yards stands out as an exceptionally suitable and valuable destination for New Yorkers, offering a blend of relaxation, entertainment, and community that is often sought after in this bustling city. For locals, it's more than just a park; it's a dynamic extension of their urban living room, providing countless reasons to visit repeatedly.

Firstly, the extensive array of free programming is a major draw. In a city where entertainment can often come with a hefty price tag, the Backyard offers a constant stream of high-quality, complimentary events, from live concerts by diverse artists to family-friendly movie nights on a massive outdoor screen. This makes it an ideal spot for impromptu outings, budget-friendly dates, or enjoyable family time without having to plan far in advance or break the bank. The regular fitness classes and community activities also provide unique opportunities for locals to stay active and connect with their neighbors.

Secondly, its prime location within Hudson Yards, coupled with exceptional accessibility via the 7 train and various bus lines, makes it incredibly convenient for residents across Manhattan and even from other boroughs. This ease of access encourages spontaneous visits, whether it's for a quick lunch break by the big screen or an evening concert after work. The comfortable seating and relaxed atmosphere, as highlighted by local reviews, provide a much-needed urban oasis where one can truly unwind amidst the city's energy.

Furthermore, the Backyard serves as a vibrant community hub. It's a place where diverse groups can gather, share experiences, and enjoy the beauty of their city. The integration of public art, thoughtfully designed green spaces, and the stunning backdrop of Hudson Yards' architecture creates an inspiring environment. Even with the temporary closure of The Vessel, the overall Public Square and Gardens, anchored by the lively programming at the Backyard, remains a cornerstone of the Hudson Yards experience.

In essence, the Backyard at Hudson Yards is a testament to thoughtful urban planning that prioritizes public well-being and engagement. It offers a consistently evolving landscape of free, accessible, and enjoyable activities, making it an indispensable resource for New Yorkers seeking relaxation, entertainment, and a strong sense of community right in their own backyard.

Backyard at Hudson Yards

20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, USA